Job Description

Job Title: Programs Director

Location: Lakewood, NJ

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM - on-site

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Are you a visionary builder ready to create transformative educational programs from the ground up?

Our client is seeking a Programs Director to conceptualize, design, and launch a wide range of enrichment and educational programs that don’t yet exist but are central to our mission. This is a unique opportunity to shape a school from its foundation by serving young children, children with behavioral challenges, and teens who struggle in traditional school environments.

If you're driven by innovation, inclusion, and impact, and you're excited to build something meaningful from scratch, we want to hear from you.

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About Us

Our client is committed to unlocking every child’s potential through a nurturing and inclusive approach. They support neurotypical children, as well as those on the autism spectrum or facing behavioral challenges, by combining Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with child-led learning to create individualized and meaningful educational experiences.

They are now taking an exciting next step: developing a new school model designed to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. Currently in the early stages, their vision is to grow into a full-service educational center offering comprehensive, developmentally appropriate programs across multiple age groups.

As none of their programs are currently established, they're seeking a visionary leader to bring this mission to life, someone who can design and build impactful programs from the ground up.

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What You’ll Do

As Programs Director, you will take full ownership of developing and launching the following programs:

From Vision to Reality

• Design, implement, and oversee a range of new, mission-aligned programs, including:
• A teen support program for students struggling in traditional school environments.
• An after-school program for children with behavioral and emotional challenges.
• A Sunday social-skills program focused on peer interaction and emotional regulation.
• A small preschool classroom for children ages 2 ½ years to 4 years of age, who are not a good fit for mainstream programs.
• Build all elements from scratch, including the build-out of our HighScope curriculum, staffing plans, scheduling, structure, and community partnerships.
• Create engaging, developmentally appropriate programming grounded in inclusive practices, social-emotional learning, and behavioral support.

Program Development & Execution

• Design and pilot each program with clear goals, a structured approach, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop schedules, secure materials, and guide program logistics.
• Collect and analyze feedback from students, staff, and families to continually refine and improve offerings.
• Stay current with trends in education, behavioral support, and neurodiversity-informed practices.

Operations & Compliance

• Establish and manage operational procedures for new programs and the center.
• Ensure compliance with state and local regulations for educational and childcare programming.
• Oversee facility readiness, documentation, and daily logistics.

Team Building & Leadership

• Integrate the clinical department with the educational component to provide cohesive, student-centered services; recruit, train, and supervise program staff, including teachers, aides, and behavior specialists.
• Foster a collaborative and student-centered workplace culture.
• Facilitate professional development and ensure high-quality instructional delivery.

Family & Community Engagement

• Lead all outreach and enrollment efforts for new programs.
• Serve as direct contact for parents and guardians.
• Host school tours, respond to inquiries, and support family onboarding.
• Build strong relationships with community organizations and referral networks.

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Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special ED a plus, Educational Leadership, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience developing and launching new educational programs—from ideation to implementation.
• Knowledge of inclusive and trauma-informed educational practices.
• Experience working with diverse learners, including those with behavioral or developmental needs.
• Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Passionate about creating safe, empowering learning spaces for children and teens.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development: Ongoing training and growth opportunities
• Career Growth: Be a foundational leader in a growing, mission-driven school

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Join Us

This isn’t a traditional job, it’s a chance to build something from the ground up that will make a lasting impact on children, teens, and families in our community.

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